Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Elizabeth Laing Thompson weaves
beautiful descriptions of stories shared in the bible, and combines them with
real-life experiences as well as suggested lessons or practices we might apply
in our own lives. Her sense of humor and humble examples from her own periods
of waiting made this an enjoyable and easily relatable guide. Each chapter
closes with additional suggested readings, journal prompts, and prayers
specific to each type of waiting we may experience.

This book offers true comfort and wisdom making it a
wonderful addition for both individual and group study!

I received a complimentary copy of this book
from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Booklist gave me happy feet when they said my February 28th release “…has such a charming small-town vibe and endearing characters that readers will find themselves falling in love with quirky Sweet Lake and hoping for a series.”

There’s no need for hoping: look for the second book The Comfort of Secrets in summer, 2017.

If you’ve read the Liberty Series, you know I love writing stand-alone stories without cliffhangers, and with characters reappearing in later books. Creating a fictional town packed with eccentric, heartwarming people that readers will enjoy visiting time and again—is there anything more exciting? For me, there isn’t.

In Sweet Lake, Linnie Wayfair battles to wrest control of the family’s inn, a historic Ohio landmark, from her flamboyant, filmmaker brother. During the tussle for control, she inadvertently sparks a romance with his attorney. Not that she thinks romance is a great idea: the tourist town of Sweet Lake, Ohio is dying. If she doesn’t turn the Wayfair Inn around, her beloved hometown will be all but shuttered.

She has help along the way from her two closest friends, Jada and Cat. She’s also aided by a group of older women in town who refuse to see the inn shut down. The Sweet Lake Sirens intervene on Linnie’s behalf in hilarious, and often poignant ways.

I don’t want to give all the fun away. Let me leave you with this quote from Kirkus Reviews: “The theme that ‘any event capable of breaking a woman could break her open instead, to reveal her true beauty and power’ reveals itself in surprising ways. In this uplifting and charming story, each room of the inn is filled with friendship, forgiveness, and love.”Award-winning author Christine Nolfi provides readers with heartwarming and inspiring fiction. Her debut Treasure Me is a Next Generation Indie Awards finalist. The Midwest Book Review lists the books in the Liberty Series as “highly recommended” and her novels have enjoyed bestseller status. Look for her 2017 series, Sweet Lake. Join her mailing list athttp://eepurl.com/AcuEH and chat with her on Twitter at @christinenolfi.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Recently, a new friend asked me about writer’s
conferences. She has never been to one, and feels extremely intimidated about
the whole process. After talking with her, I thought I would share some of my
same thoughts about the whole process with you. Today, I want to focus on
“Preparing for a Writing Conference.”

1)What
do you need? – Before you sign up for a conference, check to be sure they offer
what meets your needs. If, like my friend, this will be your first conference
you might want to start by attending a smaller conference or even one offered
online. Crowds can be overwhelming to someone already feeling like they are out
of their element. Also, price can be a concerning factor. If you’re on a
limited budget, or are wary of unexpected fees, these smaller and online
courses can be cheaper and clear cut on expenses. Curious? Check out the
Jambalaya Writer’s Conference on March 4th: http://mytpl.org/jwc/ The price is only $35 to attend, and includes
a lunch and snacks. A similar package is offered by the Bayou Writers Group at
their October conference: http://bayouwritersgroup.com/

2)Research
the offerings – If you are trying to pitch a specific genre, be cetain the
agents and editors attending are looking for that genre. Some of them may be
kind enough to suggest the correct contact through their agency for your genre,
but many of them will be aggravated that you’re wasting their time. If you’re
looking to learn more about a specific genre or skill, be sure the conference
you are considering has speakers and authors attending that will focus on what
you need. Most conference pages will provide a complete list of speakers,
lesson topics, and pitch sessions offered as the time draws near.

3)Realistic
Expectations – very seldom will anyone be offered a signing contract at a
conference. If your goal in attending is education, you’ll walk away a lot
happier. If you’re pitching an idea, be sure your work is as close to finished
as you can get it.

4)Ask
Questions – this is a learning experience so don’t be afraid to prepare questions to ask authors,
agents, and editors what they think. Most of them want to hear your ideas, and
are willing to share and explore career goals with you.

5)Be
professional – If an agent or editor is interested in learning more about you
or your work, they will want to see a business card, webpage, and social media
following. While I’m not suggesting this is the only way to get a contract, it
will show them you are serious about your work. And most importantly, don’t
whine or become angry if they don’t seem interested in your creation. There are
a million reasons why your manuscript or idea doesn’t work for them that may
have nothing to do with the quality of your skill.

If you look nice, act relatively normal, and come
prepared, you’ll leave a good impression. If you view attending the conference
as a fun learning experience, you’ll seldom be disappointed.

For more tips on Working with Agents, Editors, and Publishers or Retreats, Conferences, and Classes:

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

William Michael Davidson’s book poses the question - what if religious beliefs were eradicated? Set in the not too distant future, The Remnant proposes that a single gene is responsible for spiritual beliefs and its destruction eliminates the threat of religious wars and terrorism. What would a world be like without faith? And what would happen if those beliefs began to reemerge? Tapping into the fears of today’s religious and political unrest and acts of violence, Davidson’s story of a world without God is timely and thought-provoking.

One nation, without God...Colton Pierce apprehends Abberants—those who display symptoms of faith—and quarantines them on a remote island to ensure public safety. Years prior, the government released a genetically-engineered super flu that destroyed the genes believed to be the biological source of spiritual experience in an effort to rid the world of terrorism. As an extractor with the Center for Theological Control, Colton is dedicated to the cause.But Colton's steadfast commitment is challenged when he learns his own son has been targeted for extraction. An underground militia, the Remnant, agrees to help Colton save his son in exchange for his assistance with their plan to free the Aberrants on the island.Colton is faced with the most important decision of his life. Remain faithful to the CTC? Or give up everything to save his son?An intriguing take on faith, religion, and conflict in a world attempting to abolish all three. The far-fetched becomes imaginable in this near-future cautionary tale. Left Behind meets Philip K. Dick. -- Milo James Fowler, author of Captain Bartholomew Quasar and the Space-Time Displacement ConundrumWilliam Michael Davidson lives in Long Beach, California with his wife and two daughters. A believer that "good living produces good writing," Davidson writes early in the morning so he can get outside, exercise, spend time with people, and experience as much as possible. A writer of speculative fiction, he enjoys stories that deal with humanity's inherent need for redemption.https://facebook.com/WilliamMichaelDavidsonhttps://twitter.com/realwmdavidsonThe Remnant is now available online, retail, and in all eBook formats. Published by Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.Trade paperback $15.95 ISBN 978-1-939844-29-3, eBook $4.99 ISBN 978-1-939844-30-9, Science Fiction (FIC028000) / Christian Futuristic Fiction (FIC0402020)http://dancinglemurpress.comPuchase:

Saturday, February 4, 2017

What if Death himself wanted to die? Can deliverance be found on a bloody battlefield? Could the gift of silvering become a prison for those who possessed it? Will an ancient warrior be forever the caretaker of a house of mystery?

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive.Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.FEBRUARY QUESTION:How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?MY ANSWER: As a writer, I know what mistakes I'm making, or HAVE made, in my own writing. Subsequently, I'll start noticing some of those same mistakes in published works I'm reading. For example, if a writer has a "go to" word that they seem to be using over and over again. Also, as I study craft, I start noticing some of the issues or strengths pointed out by other authors and teachers. Anyone who has read or studied Christopher Voglers "Hero's Journey" can spot the archetypes, and stages in most stories. It would be easy to say that becoming a better writer makes it harder to read lazy writing by others. However, it can also make a writer into a stronger teacher and mentor for others. What about you?How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?

About Me

Sylvia Ney is a freelance writer and teacher currently serving as a Board Member of both the Texas Gulf Coast Writers and Bayou Writers Group. She has published newspaper and magazine articles, photography, poetry, and short stories. She enjoys encouraging other writers.

Parallels

Followers

Now available in all ebook formats!

Jake Martin stops to rest at Sarah's farm. Her circumstances stir up memories for Jake, and force him to consider the type of life he lives. Can he change his ways or is he permanently broken? - A western short story.

Parallels: Felix Was Here

The connection is everything! Seventeen year-old David Masters has grown up in almost complete isolation, despised by those around him. He is smart, determined, and compassionate. Now, an act of terrorism threatens the lives of millions. Can David help the society who shunned his very existence? Or is all hope for humanity lost? Find out in “WIN”

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Sylvia shares "8 Steps to Creating a Media Kit" in this guide to publishing and beyond.

Reboot Your Life

Sylvia's story "Family of Rejects" can be found inside.

The Searcher

The Southern California Geanological Society published Sylvia's article "Homegrown Love" in the Spring 2014 issue of The Searcher.

Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors, Vol. II

Sylvia interviews author Tim O'Brien.

Just for Preteens

Read Sylvia's story "Feeding the Soul" in this support group preteens can carry in their backpack!

It's In The Gulf

Look for Sylvia's short story "Forgotten Memories" in this anthology. Proceeds go to support the GTWG and disaster relief funds.

The Times

Sylvia contributed articles and photos on the aftermath of hurricane Ike.

Windows of the Soul

Sylvia's poem "Secret Admirer" appears in this publication by the National Library of Poetry.